Wearing the right shoes can play a huge role in the health of your feet. When shopping for new shoes, there are several things that you can do to ensure that you buy the best shoes for your feet. It is recommended that you shop for shoes in person rather than online, so that you can try on shoes, making sure that they fit well and leave room for the toes to move freely in. In a brick and mortar store, you will also be able to ask a salesperson to measure your feet to find out your exact shoe size. Many people wear the wrong size shoes because they are unaware that their feet have changed with age. It is also suggested that you try on shoes in the afternoon when the feet are at their largest. When you find a pair of shoes that are comfortable and fit properly, you may want to feel the inside of the shoe for tags, seams, or other materials that could potentially irritate your foot. You may also want to inspect the soles to make sure that they are thick enough to cushion and protect your feet. For more tips on buying the right shoes for you, consult with a podiatrist today.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Centers. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Nashville, Smyrna, Spring Hill, Columbia, Dickson, Fairview, Hohenwald, TN and Midtown, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Limb salvage, also known as limb sparing surgery, is a medical approach that focuses on preserving a patient’s limb rather than resorting to limb loss. In podiatry, it is especially important for individuals with diabetes who may develop severe infections, ulcers, or poor circulation in their feet. Risk factors include uncontrolled blood sugar, neuropathy, vascular disease, and delayed wound healing. Limb salvage is often necessary when conservative treatments fail, and the goal is to maintain mobility and quality of life while preventing further complications. A podiatrist plays a crucial role in early detection, wound care, surgical intervention, and ongoing management. If you have diabetes and have developed foot wounds that will not heal, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist for treatment.

Diabetic Limb Salvage

Diabetic limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have a foot ulcer and diabetes, consult with one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Centers. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Diabetic Limb Salvage?

Diabetic limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot, that has an infected ulcer, from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.

Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Amputation has been found to lead to higher mortality rates. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Nashville, Smyrna, Spring Hill, Columbia, Dickson, Fairview, Hohenwald, TN and Midtown, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle fractures can vary in severity and type. Five common forms include chip fractures, transverse fractures, oblique fractures, vertical fractures, and comminuted fractures. Chip fractures involve a small piece of bone breaking off, often due to twisting injuries. Transverse fractures are horizontal breaks, usually from direct impact. Oblique fractures have an angled break, typically from a combination of twisting and force. Vertical fractures extend lengthwise and are often seen with high-impact trauma. Comminuted fractures occur when the bone shatters into multiple pieces. Symptoms of all types include severe pain, swelling, bruising, inability to bear weight, and visible deformity. The ankle may feel unstable or numb, depending on nerve involvement. A podiatrist can diagnose the type of fracture through physical examination and imaging, such as X-rays or CT scans. Treatment may involve immobilization, casting, or surgery in more complex cases. To ensure proper healing and avoid complications, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Centers. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Nashville, Smyrna, Spring Hill, Columbia, Dickson, Fairview, Hohenwald, TN and Midtown, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hallux rigidus is a form of arthritis that affects the big toe joint, leading to stiffness, swelling, and pain during movement. As the condition progresses, bending the toe becomes more difficult, making it challenging to walk, run, or even stand for long periods. Many people also notice a bony bump on the top of the joint that worsens with wearing tight shoes. Early management focuses on reducing stress on the joint with supportive footwear, stiff soled shoes, or custom orthotics. Anti-inflammatory medication can ease pain, while stretching exercises may help maintain some mobility. In advanced cases, surgery may be recommended to restore or replace joint function. Addressing symptoms promptly can slow progression and improve daily comfort. If you have pain and stiffness in your big toe joint, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Centers. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Nashville, Smyrna, Spring Hill, Columbia, Dickson, Fairview, Hohenwald, TN and Midtown, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.